Prasanna Shree Kankeshwar Temple Mapgaon, Alibaug, Raigad

Among the ancient and renowned temples of Raigad district, the Kankeshwar Devasthan in Mapgaon stands as a place of faith for millions of devotees. Kankeshwar is the family deity (Kuldaivat) of the Angre dynasty. According to historical records, this temple was built by the Rashtrakuta emperors in the 8th century. It is one of the ten significant temples they constructed in this region after gaining control over the entire Revati Kshetra, stretching from Shribag (Alibag) to Champavati (Chaul). Records indicate that the temple underwent renovation in the 13th century. A grand fair is held here every year on the full moon day of the month of Kartik.

Regarding this temple, there is a mythological legend that in ancient times, there lived a demon named Kankasur. He performed severe penance to please Lord Mahadeva and expressed his desire to engage in a duel with Him. The benevolent Mahadeva granted his request; however, once the battle began, Mahadeva found it impossible to defeat Kankasur, and Kankasur could not overcome Mahadeva. Eventually, Kankasur expressed his wish that Mahadeva should reside here permanently. Upon his agreement, Mahadeva asked him to lie face down on the ground. Once he complied, Mahadeva performed a yajna on his back, during which the demon Kankasur was reduced to ashes. Fulfilling the word given to Kankasur, Lord Mahadeva resided here permanently. Hence, this shrine came to be known as Kankeshwar.

This temple attracts not only devotees but also tourists. Located 13 kilometers from Alibag, the temple at Mapgaon is reached by climbing approximately 750 steps. Situated at an altitude of 1200 feet above sea level, this area is famous as the ‘Mini Mahabaleshwar’ of the Ashtagar region. (Just as Mumbai is a metropolis of seven islands, Alibag is an ‘Ashtagar’. This includes the approximately 35 km coastline of Alibag taluka as well as the villages of Sasavane, Kihim, Thal, Alibag, Sakhar, Akshi, Nagaon, and Chaul.) There are three routes to reach the Kankeshwar temple: one via the steps from Mapgaon, the second via a mountain path from Zirad, and the third via a mountain path from Narangi village on the Karlekhind-Revas road. Of these three, the path with steps from Mapgaon is the most convenient. Records state that Govind Rewadas, the Diwan of Sardar Ranoji Angre, built this path at his own expense in 1764.

While ascending the steps towards the temple, one can behold the sea from the Kankeshwar mountain. The forts of Khanderi and Underi, situated in the middle of the sea, are also visible. After climbing 750 steps, one enters the spacious courtyard of the temple. In front of this temple, nestled in a nature-rich environment, lies a large Pushkarani (stepped tank). This octagonal tank, with its exquisite construction, perennial water supply, and descending tiers, is rarely seen elsewhere. In front of the temple entrance stands a sculpture of the Earth balanced on the hood of Shesha. A deepastambha (lamp pillar) stands opposite it. The base of the temple is star-shaped with multiple projections. The outer wall is built with folded, angular shapes, and the vertical lines of the construction rise straight from the ground to the shikhara (spire). One enters the Sabhamandap (assembly hall) after climbing 10 steps from the ground. On both sides of the temple entrance are sculptures of two guardians and lions. 

The temple structure consists of a Sabhamandap, Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). It appears that the Sabhamandap was newly constructed in front of the original Garbhagriha. Near the Antarala in the Sabhamandap, there is a large idol of Nandi, which is covered in silver plating. The Antarala here is somewhat small. Its ceiling features carvings of a lotus flower and two dancers. The entrance to the Garbhagriha is adorned with intricately carved door frames, featuring musicians playing various instruments and sculptures of Yakshas and Gandharvas wearing garlands. At the base of this door frame is an ‘ardhachandrashila’ (a semi-circular step in front of the threshold). On the lintel of the entrance is an idol of Lord Ganesha.

Descending a few steps from the Antarala, one enters the Garbhagriha. The Shiva Linga of Kankeshwar here is in the form of a ‘Patal-linga’ (situated below ground level). The Pindi of Kankeshwar is unique. The original Pindi is entirely covered with a silver casing, topped with a silver mask and a hooded serpent. Below this Pindi is a hollow containing five mounds, known as the ‘Panchalingas’. This hollow is always filled with water. The water used for the abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Kankeshwar Pindi flows out through a lion’s mouth. Carved on the temple spire are images of Shankar performing the Tandava dance, Shiva-Parvati, Nataraja, Bhairavi, Krishna, Brahma-Savitri, Vishnu, Ganapati, and others. The outer walls of the temple also feature carvings of goddesses, elephant battles, and rows of monkeys. The stone craftsmanship here is so exquisite that the anklet on the foot of a stone sculpture of a person climbing the spire can actually be rotated; it is carved from the stone itself but remains loose. This reveals the immense skill of the sculptor.

In the temple premises, there are other sites such as the Lakshminarayan Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Vishnukund, Rameshwar, Bhimkund, Manabai’s Math, Patrubai, Mirchibuwa’s Samadhi, Ramsiddhi Vinayak Temple, Lambodaranand Samadhi, Netkya Dharmashala, Paleshwar, Vyagheshwar, and Gaymukh. Grand festivals are held here on Shravani Mondays and Mahashivratri. Devotees can have the darshan of Kankeshwar in this temple from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. 

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery